This is a place to share issues, useful and helpful information regarding healthy communities - what are some of the community programs that are helping our people address these issues, both on-reserve and in the towns and cities? Traditional and Contemporary solutions?

Wagmatcook, Nova Scotia (August 15, 2012) – The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today joined Chief Norman Bernard of the Wagmatcook Band for the grand opening of its new wastewater treatment plant and the completion of upgrades to the existing sewage treatment lagoon.

"Our Government is committed to taking concrete steps to improve the living conditions for First Nations through investments in safe water and wastewater treatment facilities," said Minister Duncan. "Wagmatcook's new wastewater facility is an important investment in the health and safety of community members."

These projects were made possible through an investment of $6.3 million under Canada's Economic Action Plan and include the construction of a new extended activated sludge system to replace the existing stabilization pond serving the north side of the reserve.

"I would like to thank the Government of Canada for providing the financial resources to complete this strategic capital investment in Wagmatcook," said Chief Bernard. "We are pleased Minister Duncan has come to Wagmatcook to share with us the importance this investment is to our future housing and economic development plans."

The Harper Government is taking action to improve the lives of First Nations and stimulate economic growth in First Nation communities through targeted infrastructure investments. Between 2006 and 2014, the Harper Government will invest approximately $3 billion in water and wastewater facilities in First Nations communities.

Wagmatcook Band is located on Cape Breton Island, 51.2 kilometers west of Sydney, Nova Scotia. The community has 761 members, with an on-reserve population of 587.

With the help of nearly one and a half million dollars from the Canadian government, Stz'uminus First Nation can move forward with its community infrastructure plans.

Chief John Elliott and the federal Aboriginal Affairs Minister John Duncan, announced the funding for a new water and wastewater infrastructure project in Stz'uminus First Nation, located near Ladysmith on Vancouver Island.

Not only is it significant for health and safety, a news release explains that the First Nation has plans to develop 25 hectares of designated mixed-use commercial and retail buildings on one of their reserves. There are also opportunities for future First Nation initiatives to benefit from the new infrastructure investment. Situated near the TransCanada highway on Vancouver Island, the Stz'uminus First Nation's reserve is ideally located to facilitate economic development in the region.

"The support of Minister Duncan and his government has improved the economic prospects for our community," said Chief John Elliott. "Now that water and wastewater services are assured, there are proposals from private businesses to develop several large projects jointly with the Stz'uminus First Nation. These projects will provide jobs for our members and significant economic benefit to the region."

Minister Duncan added: "Connecting the Stz'uminus First Nation's reserve to the Town of Ladysmith's water and wastewater system will unlock economic development potential on-reserve." The Government of Canada has invested close to $1.485 million in this project through the Community Economic Opportunities Program, which helps First Nations facilitate economic and employment opportunities like community-owned businesses and land development. The Stz'uminus First Nation contributed an additional $250,000 and will secure funding towards the remaining costs of the project.

"We would like to say Miigwetch to the Government of Canada for working in partnership with Wasauksing First Nation on this important infrastructure project." That is Robert Tabobandung, Wasauksing First Nation Chief commenting on the opening of its new drinking water treatment system, which cost more than $16.6 million.

"A lot of time and effort has been put into this project, and in the end we are servicing many more houses than originally anticipated," said Chief Tabobandung. "This new slow-sand water treatment plant is not only providing more opportunities for full-time employment, but also safe, clean drinking water for our current and future generations."

The new drinking water treatment system is comprised of a new water intake and low-lift pumping station, a water treatment plant featuring slow-sand filtration, an elevated water reservoir and heated storage to house the First Nation's new water delivery truck. The system services 114 homes as well as the Elders' complex and the administration complex, which includes the community's daycare, school and health centre. In addition to providing safe and clean drinking water, the new distribution system includes hydrants for added fire protection within the community.

This project created 15 temporary jobs for community members and three full-time permanent positions - two water treatment plant operators and one water delivery driver.

Wasauksing First Nation is a Chippewa (Ojibway) community located on Parry Island in Georgian Bay, three kilometres southwest of Parry Sound, Ontario. The First Nation has approximately 1,174 members, 375 of whom live on reserve. http://www.wasauksing.ca/

Harper Government Announces Major Investment in First Nation Water and Wastewater Systems

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - January 13, 2013) - The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, announced today the Harper Government's plan for new investments in First Nation water and wastewater systems on reserve.

"Our Government is committed to addressing water and wastewater issues on reserve to ensure that First Nations communities have access to safe drinking water," said Minister Duncan. "That is why we are taking concrete action to support First Nations in operating their water and wastewater systems on reserve."

The Harper Government will invest $330.8 million over two years to sustain progress made to build and renovate water and wastewater infrastructure on reserve and to support the development of a long-term strategy to improve water quality in First Nation communities. Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) will prioritize capital investments to target high and medium risk systems, in over 50 First Nation communities, including Canoe Lake, Saskatchewan; Tallcree First Nation, Alberta; and Nazko First Nation in British Columbia.

Year one of this funding will be allocated by AANDC in 2012-2013 in three areas of planned expenditures: $47.7 million for operations and maintenance, $32.1 million for training for First Nations and $47.3 million for capital investments. Health Canada will support First Nations with an investment of $27.4 million each year to build capacity, enhance drinking water quality monitoring, maintain a national wastewater program, increase public awareness and review project proposals from a public health perspective. Chiefs and Councils will continue to be responsible for public health measures, such as issuing drinking water advisories in the affected communities, communicating the information to residents and addressing drinking water quality problems.

"All First Nation communities now have access to trained personnel who can monitor their drinking water or test water quality at the tap," said the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health. "This provides First Nation residents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their health."

This investment builds on the approximately $197.5 million the Harper Government invests annually for water and wastewater programs in First Nation communities.

Between 2006 and 2014, the Harper Government will have invested approximately $3 billion across the country to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater infrastructure and in related public-health activities.

Through Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012, the Government of Canada is improving the health and quality of life of people in First Nation communities by assisting First Nations to provide better water and wastewater services to their residents. The two lead federal departments are Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC) and Health Canada.

This $330.8 million investment over two years will be targeted to reduce risk levels and deliver results for water and wastewater systems on-reserve that improve access to safe clean water. These goals will be accomplished by increasing investments to support the training of operators and the operations and maintenance of facilities. Operation and maintenance (O&M), operator training and certification, and record keeping and reporting alone account for nearly 60 per cent of the risk identified in Annual Performance Inspections of water and wastewater systems. In addition, investments for water and wastewater treatment facility construction and renovation will be prioritized to address high and medium risk systems.

Canada’s Economic Action Plan 2012 funding will support important public health activities on reserves. These activities include environmental public health assessments that provide services such as site and installation inspections, providing recommendations related to on-site sewage disposal systems and reviewing plans for wastewater treatment plants, and enhancement of the drinking water quality monitoring program from a public health perspective.

Health Canada will continue to provide recommendations on drinking water quality in First Nation communities to Chiefs and Councils. Chiefs and Councils will continue to be responsible for public health measures, such as issuing drinking water advisories in the affected communities, communicating the information to residents and addressing drinking water quality problem.

The Government of Canada responded to the release of the 2009-2011 National Assessment report with a commitment that on-reserve water and wastewater issues would be addressed on a priority basis, identifying three key areas for action:

enhanced capacity building and operator training;enforceable standards and protocols; andinfrastructure investments.The Economic Action Plan 2012 investments will support improvements in each of these areas by:

increasing funding for operator training and operations and maintenance;supporting the creation of regional hubs to monitor and, where feasible, operate systems remotely;developing new circuit rider training guidelines;supporting First Nations in development of regional hubs of expertise; andprioritizing capital investments to target highest risk systems.Year one of this funding will be allocated by AANDC in 2012-2013 in three areas of planned expenditures: $47.7 million for operations and maintenance, $32.1 million for training for First Nations and $47.3 million for capital investments.

Health Canada will support First Nations by investing $27.4 million each year to build capacity, enhance drinking water quality monitoring, maintain a national wastewater program, increase public awareness and review project proposals from a public health perspective.

The Economic Action Plan 2012 investment builds on the approximately $197.5 million the Harper Government invests annually for water and wastewater programs in First Nation communities.

Progress Since the 2009-2011 National Assessment of First Nations Water and Wastewater Systems

As mentioned above, the Government of Canada responded to the release of the 2009-2011 National Assessment report with a commitment that on-reserve water and wastewater issues would be addressed on a priority basis. http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/131473 ... 4731878259The following three key areas were identified for action: infrastructure investments; enhanced capacity building and operator training; and, enforceable standards and protocols.

Since then, the Government of Canada has continued to meet its commitment and has made progress in each of these areas:

increased the percentage of systems with operators certified to the level of the system from 51 per cent to 60 per cent for water systems and from 42 per cent to 54 per cent for wastewater systems;

introduced the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act after extensive outreach and consultation, which, if passed, will ensure that First Nations have the same health and safety protection for drinking water in their communities as other Canadians;http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/135783 ... 7830411675strengthened the annual inspection process to improve consistency across the country and to ensure First Nations and AANDC have accurate information to support sound decision-making regarding water and wastewater system investments;confirmed planning for 286 infrastructure projects in 2012-2013, supported by the Economic Action Plan 2012 funding and other departmental resources;enhanced access to water monitoring programs. All First Nation communities now have access to trained personnel to monitor drinking water quality;increased the number of public water systems that meet the recommended weekly monitoring for bacteriological parameters by more than 60 per cent since 2006;increased the number of public water systems that meet the recommended annual monitoring for chemical parameters by over 25 per cent since 2006;

January 23, 2013 - Marcel Colomb First Nation, northwest of Thompson Manitoba celebrated the grand opening of their new drinking water treatment system.

Chief Andrew Colomb stated: "For Marcel Colomb First Nation and for the federal, provincial and municipal governments involved, and for our Mother Band, Mathias Colomb Cree Nation, who worked with us to achieve our goal, it's very exciting to accomplish. I have to acknowledge our trailblazers that once had a dream, a vision, and now that dream and vision have become a reality. . .We have a place to call home now. We're moving one step forward, and now it's our turn to work towards helping our children and grandchildren to prosper in a healthy environment."

The Marcel Colomb reserve is currently under development and the completion of the drinking water system on the reserve represents the last milestone before homes are completed and band members can begin to move into the new community. Band members currently live off reserve, with most residing in the nearby town of Lynn Lake.

The Government of Canada contributed more than $8.9 million from 2006-2007 to 2011-2012 towards the design and construction of Marcel Colomb First Nation's new drinking water treatment system, which will provide trucked water and wastewater services to the community.

The Government of Canada previously funded construction of a new sewage lagoon and road infrastructure for the community at a cost of $3.27 million. The community's first homes are being built with a loan of approximately $3 million provided by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation and guaranteed through the AANDC Ministerial Loan Guarantee Program. A total of 15 units are to be completed by the end of March, 2013.

Marcel Colomb First Nation has 376 band members and the reserve is located at Hughes Lake approximately 255 kilometres northwest of Thompson, Manitoba.

Between 2006 and 2014, the Government of Canada will have invested approximately $3 billion to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater infrastructure and in related public-health activities.

January 24, 2013CUPE 401 works with Snuneymuxw to supply safe public drinking water

NANAIMO—While safe drinking water in Canada's First Nations communities remains a national concern, City of Nanaimo CUPE Local 401 water crews have modeled part of the solution through an innovative mentoring program with the Snuneymuxw First Nation (SFN). http://www.snuneymuxw.ca/

The Nanaimo program began in November involving SFN workers job shadowing CUPE 401 members to learn foundational skills in maintaining a quality public water system.

"We're working to assist SFN employees become familiar with the hands on day-to-day work involved in a municipality's regular water distribution maintenance programs including emergency repairs and the installation various components," said CUPE Local 401 President Blaine Gurrie and member of the Vancouver Island Water Watch Coalition. "Our goal now is build on our success here and use these principals to expand the mentoring program out to First Nations communities across Vancouver Island."

Expanding the program would help end the argument First Nations Communities do not have the expertise to manage water distribution systems because of lack of skilled labour. Gurrie wants future agreements between First Nations' Councils, CUPE, Regional District Authorities, Municipalities and Improvement Districts which control water supply areas to provide a positive public solution that would ensure safe drinking water for all Island residents.

"With this model, First Nations communities can supply safe clean water in areas where they have been given the responsibility, but no other assistance from government other than funding," said Gurrie. "We have proven by example this expertise can be imparted to manage public water systems, without the need for a private partner."

In 2010, the Federal Government announced the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act (now referred to a Bill S-8) to create health and safety standards, but no mention of training support needed to live up to them. http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/133052 ... 0528554327

Shortly following the introduction of the legislation, CUPE and the Council of Canadians released a report Public Water For Sale: How Canada Will Privatize Our Public Water Systems warning of the potential impacts of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that would allow European water utilities such as Suez and Veolia to challenge local water conservation as well as bottled water bans as unfair barriers to trade. http://www.canadians.org/trade/document ... -water.pdfThe report noted "the private sector will have the ability to enter First Nations as owners and operators of water and wastewater facilities due to lack of infrastructure, resources and training within First Nations."

"CETA and Bill S-8 combined could prevent First Nations from building, owning and operating their own water and wastewater plants," added Gurrie. "By not delivering the education to make their legislation work the Federal government is opening the door wider to further water privatization."

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, today announced funding for the new water treatment facility for the Buctouche First Nation of New Brunswick.

"Our Government is committed to ensuring that First Nation communities, like all Canadian communities, have access to safe, clean drinking water," said Minister Valcourt. "Through strategic investments in safe drinking water systems on reserve, our Government is improving living conditions and contributing to healthier, more self-sufficient communities."

The project includes the design and installation of a water transmission line, construction of a booster station, a new pump house and a water storage tank. A well-field protection plan has been incorporated into the design of the water system to further ensure the safety and quality of the reserve's drinking water.

"Our community has been affected on a number of occasions by water quality issues," said Chief Ann Mary Simon of the Buctouche First Nation. "These long awaited upgrades to our system will put us in a better position to provide our community members with safe, clean drinking water."

The Harper Government is investing an estimated $2.2 million in the design and construction of the new pump house and water storage tank.

The first two phases of the project have already been tendered, with a third closing March 19, 2013. Work on the new water treatment facility is expected to be completed late this fall.

The Harper Government is taking action to improve the lives of First Nations and to stimulate economic growth in First Nation communities through targeted infrastructure investments. Between 2006 and 2013, the Harper Government has invested in over 130 major drinking water and wastewater projects, in addition to funding the maintenance and operation of over 1,200 water and wastewater systems on reserve across the country. Each year, the Harper Government also invests in training and certification of First Nation water system operators.

The Harper Government remains focused on four priorities, as outlined by the Prime Minister, that Canadians care most about: their families, the safety of our streets and communities, their pride in being a citizen of this country, and their personal financial security.

Buctouche First Nation is located 3.2 kilometers southwest of Bouctouche, New Brunswick. The community has 111 members, with an on-reserve population of approximately 74 members.

August 2, 2013 - Liard First Nation in the Yukon, is celebrating the grand opening of the community's new water treatment plant.

It is designed to provide a safe and reliable source of water for everyone in the community. Previously, homes in the community required water to be delivered. The project included building wells, the water treatment facility, a truck bay garage and filling station, and emergency power supply.

Chief Liard McMillan: "Our new water treatment plant is an investment in the health of our community to improve the quality of life of Liard First Nation members. . .This is valuable infrastructure that brings skills and knowledge to our community and benefits the long-term well-being of children, elders and families. Thank you to everyone who worked together on this important project."

The facility at Liard First Nation was funded by Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada (AANDC).

The Liard First Nation water treatment plant is equipped for treatment using greensand filtration to reduce hardness, iron, manganese, turbidity and chlorine disinfection to ensure safe drinking water, as identified in the current Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines. The project included building wells, a water treatment facility, a truck bay garage and filling station, and emergency power supply.

AANDC worked with Liard First Nation to train people to operate, monitor, and maintain their drinking water systems and wastewater systems in the plant, through the Department's Circuit Rider Training Program (CRTP). This Program provides First Nation operators with ongoing, on-site training and mentoring on how to run their drinking water and wastewater systems. The plant was constructed at a cost of $4,054,470.

Six Nations of the Grand River opens new water treatment plant"This project is very important for the future economic growth and development opportunities in our community. The new water treatment plant will provide a safe and reliable source of water for the community, and will help to bring real change and improvements for people living here." Chief Ava Hill, Six Nations of the Grand River

On behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt, the Member of Parliament for Brant, Phil McColeman, today congratulated Six Nations of the Grand River on the opening of its new water treatment plant. http://pse5-esd5.ainc-inac.gc.ca/fnp/Ma ... NUMBER=121

MP McColeman described the project as one that would bring "lasting economic benefits" to the community. The new water treatment plant will provide safe drinking water to existing and future users and can support up to 7,370 users.

This cost-shared initiative encouraged the involvement of the community in all aspects of the project and will provide the resources for long-term sustainability of the community and the families that live there.

Quick facts

The new plant's capacity much improved: the plant now has a total production capacity of 4,050 cubic meters of water per day, which is significantly higher than the actual production capacity of 1,036 cubic meters per day provided by the old plant.Between 2010 and 2012 alone, Canada invested in 47 major water and wastewater infrastructure projects completed by 45 First Nations or organizations.

The Government of Canada has provided more than $26 million towards the construction of this $41.4 million project for the new water treatment plant, and Six Nations of the Grand River invested approximately $15.4 million towards this project.

Quotes

"Improving water quality in First Nation communities is a priority for our Government and I am extremely pleased that the residents of Six Nations of the Grand River can now access clean drinking water from a new water treatment plant in their community. These kinds of investments are steadily increasing the effectiveness of water services in First Nation communities."

Bernard ValcourtAboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister

"Canada's participation in this cost-shared project is a direct result of our commitment to taking concrete steps to create the conditions for stronger, healthier, more self-sufficient First Nation communities."

Phil McColeman Member of Parliament for Brant

"This project is very important for the future economic growth and development opportunities in our community. The new water treatment plant will provide a safe and reliable source of water for the community, and will help to bring real change and improvements for people living here."

"MKO and the Island Lake First Nations are pleased that Budget 2014 commits $323.4 million over the next two years to bring clean running water into more homes in the Island Lake and other MKO First Nations. The additional investment in retrofitting homes with indoor plumbing and in water and wastewater treatment systems will enhance the health and well-being of everyone living in these First Nations. The additional investments through the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan will also result in positive economic impacts through retrofitting and construction projects in the communities. MKO looks forward to making future investments in community water and wastewater lines that will connect all homes to clean running water and to wastewater treatment systems."Grand Chief David HarperManitoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak- - -

Economic Action Plan 2014 Extends Support for First Nation InfrastructureHarper Government Invests in Water and Wastewater Projects on Reserve

WINNIPEG, Feb. 17, 2014

The Government of Canada is committed to working with First Nations to support strong and healthy communities. Through the Economic Action Plan 2014, http://www.actionplan.gc.ca/enthe Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to address water and wastewater issues by extending the First Nation Water and Wastewater Action Plan (FNWWAP) http://www.aadnc-aandc.gc.ca/eng/110010 ... 0100015854with further investments of $323.4 million over the next two years.

These new investments will build upon the concrete action the Government of Canada has taken to support First Nation communities in improving water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes the recent passage of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act, enhanced capacity building and operator training, and the protection of public health.http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts ... index.html

These investments will continue to support the comprehensive long-term plan to improve drinking water and wastewater systems on First Nation lands, founded on four pillars: enhanced capacity building and operator training; enforceable standards and protocols; infrastructure investments; and protection of public health.

Quick Facts

Budget 2014 includes $323.4 over two years for FNWWAP.FNWWAP was introduced in 2008.The initiative funds water and wastewater treatment facility construction and renovation, operation and maintenance of facilities, training of operators and related public health activities on reserves.Between 2006 and 2014, the Government of Canada will have invested approximately $3 billion to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater infrastructure, and in related public-health activities.The Act enables the Government to work with First Nations to develop enforceable federal regulations to ensure access to safe, clean and reliable drinking water, the effective treatment of wastewater, and the protection of sources of water on First Nation lands.Quotes

"Improving water quality in First Nation communities is a priority for our Government and I am extremely pleased that EAP 2014 includes $323.4 million over two years to improve water and waste water infrastructure in First Nation communities. Our Government will continue working with First Nations towards our shared goal of ensuring that First Nations have the same access to safe, clean drinking water in their communities as all other Canadians."

Bernard Valcourt Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"Our Government is committed to ensuring that First Nation communities have access to safe drinking water. Through continued investments in the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan, we are working with First Nations to monitor and provide advice on drinking water quality and support for wastewater programming, including public health inspections and public education in First Nations communities."

Rona AmbroseMinister of Health

"MKO and the Island Lake First Nations are pleased that Budget 2014 commits $323.4 million over the next two years to bring clean running water into more homes in the Island Lake and other MKO First Nations. The additional investment in retrofitting homes with indoor plumbing and in water and wastewater treatment systems will enhance the health and well-being of everyone living in these First Nations. The additional investments through the First Nations Water and Wastewater Action Plan will also result in positive economic impacts through retrofitting and construction projects in the communities. MKO looks forward to making future investments in community water and wastewater lines that will connect all homes to clean running water and to wastewater treatment systems."

Start of Construction of a New Water Treatment Plant"This project is very important for the growth and sustainability of our community. This new water treatment plant will bring real change and improvements to the quality of life of the people living here; it will also resolve a long standing issue of the human right to potable water for our families in our community." Chief Isadore Day, Wiindawtegowinini / Serpent River First Nation New Treatment plant expected to provide water for 376 people in 160 homes

CUTLER, ON, March 4, 2014

Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Minister Bernard Valcourt congratulates the Serpent River First Nation on the start of construction of a new water treatment plant. The Government of Canada invested more than $12.36 million towards the construction of this $13.36 million new water treatment plant. Serpent River First Nation invested approximately $730,000.

Quick Facts

The scope of work includes constructing a new raw water intake, a 427-square metre water treatment plant, an above-ground storage reservoir, and upgrades to the existing water distribution system. The construction stage of the project is expected to be complete by July 2015.Once built, the new water treatment plant is expected to provide water for 376 people in 160 homes.

"Improving water quality in First Nation communities is a priority for our Government, which is why I am extremely pleased that work on the Serpent First Nation water treatment plant has begun. Our Government will continue working with First Nations to improve water and wastewater infrastructure in their communities. In fact, Economic Action Plan 2014 includes $323.4M to improve water and wastewater infrastructure on First Nation communities. "

Bernard ValcourtMinister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

"This project is very important for the growth and sustainability of our community. This new water treatment plant will bring real change and improvements to the quality of life of the people living here; it will also resolve a long standing issue of the human right to potable water for our families in our community."Chief Isadore Day, WiindawtegowininiSerpent River First Nation

"Our community has been affected on a number of occasions by water quality issues, very pleased that these long-awaited upgrades to our system are completed and will enable us to provide our community members with safe, clean drinking water."- Chief Ann Mary Simon,Buctouche First Nation

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Canadian Government congratulates Buctouche First Nation on the opening of its new water treatment plant

BUCTOUCHE FIRST NATION, NB, May 20, 2014

The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development today congratulated the Buctouche First Nation in eastern New Brunswick on completing its water supply system upgrades. The upgrades will allow the First Nation to better serve the community's 75 members with clean safe drinking water.

The Government of Canada invested over $2.3 million over four years in the project which includes a feasibility study, the design and installation of a water transmission line, construction of a booster station, a new pump house and a water storage tank.

Between 2006 and 2014, the Government of Canada will have invested approximately $3 billion to support First Nation communities in managing their water and wastewater infrastructure.These expenditures are part of a comprehensive long-term plan to improve drinking water and wastewater systems on First Nation lands founded on four pillars: enhanced capacity building and operator training; enforceable standards and protocols; infrastructure investments; and protection of public health.

Quick Facts

Economic Action Plan 2014 commits $323.4 million to improve water and wastewater infrastructure on First Nation communities.

The Government of Canada is now working with First Nations to develop regulations and standards on a region-by-region basis.Quotes

"First Nations, like all Canadians, should have access to safe, clean drinking water, and thanks to the hard work of everyone involved in this project, the residents of Buctouche First Nation will be better served with clean, safe drinking water. Canada's participation in this project is a direct result of our commitment to taking concrete steps to create the conditions for stronger, healthier, more self-sufficient communities."

Honourable Bernard ValcourtMinister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"Our community has been affected on a number of occasions by water quality issues, very pleased that these long-awaited upgrades to our system are completed and will enable us to provide our community members with safe, clean drinking water."Chief Ann Mary Simon,Buctouche First Nation

TRADITIONAL TERRITORY OF TREATY NO. 7, CALGARY, June 16, 2014 – Four Alberta First Nations; Sucker Creek First Nation, Ermineskin Cree Nation, Kainai Nation (Blood Tribe) and the Tsuu T’ina Nation filed an action in Federal Court challenging the deplorable state of drinking water in First Nation communities.

Speaking on behalf of the four First Nations, Chief Jim Badger of the Sucker Creek First Nation stated: “In this day and age, it is disgraceful that the Harper government has failed to make sure First Nation communities have safe drinking water like other Canadians. They spend billions on prisons when crime rates are at historic lows but safe drinking water is not a priority. We are tired of spin, hollow legislation and empty gestures from this government. Do our people have to get sick, or die, from unsafe drinking water before this government takes real action? ”

An engineering assessment commissioned by the Federal Government issued in 2011 identified widespread risks to human health from drinking water in First Nation communities across Canada. As a result, the report concluded that families and children in many First Nation communities live in constant danger from the lack of safe drinking water. The only tangible response of the Federal Government to the risks posed by human health was to push through the “Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act” in 2013, which protects the government from liability if people in First Nation communities are harmed by unsafe drinking water, with no resources to fix the real problems.

Chief Badger added: “We cannot stand by any longer and let the Harper government avoid responsibility for this shameful situation. We filed our court action today in an effort to force the Government of Canada to take real and effective action to ensure we have safe drinking water like everyone else in this country”.

Backgrounder

The National Assessment of First Nation Water and Wastewater Systems (2011) commissioned by the Federal Government evaluated 801 water systems in First Nations communities across Canada and concluded that 73% of First Nations face medium to high risks to human health from unsafe drinking water.

The Report of the Expert Panel on Safe Drinking Water for First Nations (2006), also a Federal Government study, similarly cautioned that many First Nation water systems are understaffed and substandard, and that legislation alone cannot ensure the safety of First Nations’ drinking water. Numerous other reports over the years by Indian Affairs, the Senate Standing Committee on Aboriginal Peoples and the Auditor General have reached similar conclusions.

The Federal Government created these unsafe drinking water conditions and has continued to sustain them through its neglect. After years of failed efforts to work with government officials, the First Nations behind the legal action felt they had no other option. It is unacceptable that people in neighboring communities enjoy the safety and peace of mind of world-class drinking water systems while the majority of First Nations face health risks from drinking water conditions often only present in third world countries. This inequity must not be tolerated any longer and is unacceptable in a country like ours.

"Halalt First Nation is happy to have a new fully-automated water system. We are looking forward to moving to the next phase of capital works for our First Nation by installing new sewage infrastructure, which is critical to our community's overall clean water management protocols." - Chief James Thomas, Halalt First Nation

The Government of Canada Invests in an Upgraded Water System for the Halalt First Nation

Our Government is focused on ensuring the same access to clean drinking water on-reserve as is available to other Canadians. Today, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, extended his congratulations to the Halalt and Penelakut First Nations on the opening of the newly upgraded Halalt Community Waterworks system.

The new infrastructure will allow both First Nation communities to better serve their members with clean, safe drinking water.

The Government of Canada invested $2.7 million to support this project, which includes a new water treatment facility and improved infrastructure. The Halalt Community Waterworks system will now supply water to 41 homes on the Halalt First Nation's Halalt Indian Reserve no. 2 and 21 homes on the neighbouring Penelakut First Nation's Tsussie Indian Reserve no. 6.

Across Canada, new investments for water and wastewater build on our actions to support First Nations and to encourage strong and healthy communities. Previous actions include the passage of the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act. Investments will continue to support our comprehensive place founded on four pillars: enhanced capacity building and operator training; enforceable standards and protocols; infrastructure investments; and the protection of public health.

Quick factsThe Halalt First Nation is located 70 kilometres north of Victoria, British Columbia on Vancouver Island.

In June 2013, Canada passed the Safe Drinking Water for First Nations Act – is resulting in federal regulations for access to safe drinking water, effective treatment of wastewater and the protection of sources of drinking water on First Nation lands.The Government of Canada is continuing to invest in water and wastewater systems on reserve. Budget 2014 committed $323.4 million over two years through the First Nation Water and Wastewater Action Plan.

Quotes“Our Government continues to take action so that First Nations have access to safe and reliable drinking water in their communities, like other Canadians. I am pleased that our Government has supported the Halalt First Nation, and I congratulate them on the opening of their new water system.” - The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada

"Halalt First Nation is happy to have a new fully-automated water system. We are looking forward to moving to the next phase of capital works for our First Nation by installing new sewage infrastructure, which is critical to our community's overall clean water management protocols." - Chief James Thomas, Halalt First Nation